dSLR cameras and biking?

[lbendel]

Well said Colebatch. I'll chip in with my own experience, now almost at the end of my 18-months tour of Africa and middle-east on an F800GS.

The most important thing to remember is to take the camera that you will enjoy using when time comes to take a picture: if it's too big, too slow or stowed away, you just won't bother take the picture. A picture not taken is always worse than the one taken by the crappiest camera in the world!

I enjoy very much photography, so I took my best toy - the Canon 5d MKII. But it's BIG and heavy, which goes against the rule when you're traveling by bike. I put in in the hard panniers to protect it, and I take it out only when I decide to stop for a while and do some photography.

So I needed a second camera: a simple point-and-shoot in those cases when I need to take a quick snapshot and the quality is less important than the fact that I'll get the shot that I want. So it needed to be:
- small, to fit in my jacket's pocket, when I'm riding, and in my trouser's pocket, when I'm strolling in town
- robust, because it will be exposed to dust, sand, humidity, shocks, etc..
- responsive! I want to be able to stop, put in neutral, reach for the camera, compose, shoot and stow it away, all in 5 seconds or less.
- lastly, have decent image quality. For me this is less important than the first 3 criteria, but the Sony is producing very nice pictures. If a scene is really worth it, then I park, take off my helmet and gloves, take the 5dMKII out and shoot. But this takes 10x more time. Often the scene will be gone, or the people scared off, etc..

When I left, the only camera that fulfilled my conditions was the Sony TX5. It's waterproof (so dust-proof), has few moving parts so it's robust. Most importantly, I can hold it with one hand, power it up by lowering the cover with my middle finger, and it will be ready to shoot in 1 second. I can compose with the helmet and goggles on, and it will autofocus in a split second. Then, immediately after taking the picture, I just slide down the cover and put it back in my jacket, and off I go.

It's (almost) perfect!

The only fly in the ointment is the LCD screen which is not protected, so after rubbing against the fabric of my pockets, it lost the anti-reflective coating and then it was just impossible to see anything in bright sunlight.

And then I lost it.. so my girl-friend who joined me left me her camera, who was also a Sony point-and-shoot, but a more traditional one, the WX7. It's terrible: you have to reach for a tiny button to power it up, which is impossible with the gloves on. Then it needs to extend the lens, which takes at least 2 seconds. And even worse, after you've taken the shot, you have to wait for the lens to retract before putting it back into the pocket, of course, and this is incredibly annoying (just as annoying as using a smartphone, don't get me started on those..).

Finally, after just a couple months, it just broke down, the lens extraction mechanism would make a grinding noise and wouldn't retract: sand and dust obviously jammed the mechanism. How good is your 1-year warranty in the middle of Africa ?

These gadgets are designed as cheaply as possible and they will break down. On the other hand, the 5D mkII feels solid and indeed it is very well built: after 1 year and multiple crashes, it still was working like clockwork, even with many moving parts (mirror, shutter, diaphragm, IS, etc..). If I had taken a Rebel or other entry-level dSRL, I'm convinced it would have broken down half-way through. And no chance to fix it.

Actually, I flew back shortly to Europe after 1 year. I sent the 5D mkII, which was still working perfectly, to Canon for CLA (clean - lube - adjust). It cost me as much as a new entry-level camera but it came back like new! it may sound crazy to take a 3000$ photo kit in an off-road bike trip, but knowing that you can rely on it, and that it can be serviced and fixed is invaluable.

Lastly, one practical problem with the DSLR is that it is a bit too "flashy". People in the street (much more so in African than in Asia it seems) are more easily scared/angered by the big photo camera pointed at them than by a tiny point and shoot. Especially so if you can get it out of your pocket and take a shot in 2 seconds before they can react (pose, ask for money, walk away, etc..)

At the end of the day, there are photos that I've taken with the small kit that I wished I had taken with the DSLR for the extra image quality; but I just know that I wouldn't have been able to take it at all with it, so I have absolutely no regret.

For me the combination of a high-end kit and a small cheap one was better than the compromise of a single medium quality kit. For most people it makes sense to take only a small point and shoot, and I respect this very much. Also, the industry has made some great progress since I left, so I may review my decision in a future trip (e.g., Sony NEX-7, Fuji X-100).

Lastly, whatever your gear, do post the photos and share them with us!

Laurent

[Oo-SEB-oO]

AAAAAHHHH.... Camera's and motorcycles... always a big discussion...

I can follow Laurent for a big part, but I don't totally agree.
I am also a (semi)professional photographer, get assignments every few weeks and I almost always go traveling with my bike(s).

BEFORE you decide what to BUY, you should consider this: Are you going on a trip to enjoy yourself and take a picture, or are you on a quest for the best possible pictures that you can take?
How much room and money are you willing to give up for your pictures?

If you buy a dslr, you need to buy a good one and a good lens, don't buy the entry level ones, there's absolutely no point in doing that! My G12 shoots better than the cheap dslr's! So, we are talking 200€ (point and shoot) - vs 500€ (G12) vs 2000+€ (dslr). How much is your picture really worth? What are the advantages of all of them???

When I go on a trip, my techstuff is almost half of everything we have with us... and every new trip I try to downsize this again! Ok, we are always going offroad so that's a really big issue, size and weight.

So, you can choose between a (high-end) dslr or a point and shoot or the thing in between. Until last year I took my dslr + 2 lenses with me. Until last year all the other options were 'crap' if you want a good quality picture... but now I've bought myself the Canon G12 and I leave the dslr at home for my concertphotography.

Honestly, with a cam like that you can take ok pictures (for web and prints up to A4 really no problem!) and you can make movies. Allright, your options are limited, but so is the price and the size of the cam. When does it get tricky? When do I have the feeling "shit - If I just brought my dslr with me..."? At night, and with fast movement pictures. That's it. How many times are you going to take pictures at night?

I can give you a lot of examples why to buy this or that but this is my conclusion:

I built a Pelicase on the back of my DRZ400 with one purpose: placing the dslr in it. I used to bring my dslr with lenses with me.
I don't anymore.
I take my Canon Powershot G12 and a (waterproof!) Contour HD helmetcam and that's it.
The Pelicase serves now for the macbook air, and all electronic stuff (waterproof!) > 1 ortlieb bag less to take with me!
I have mounts on different places on the bikes for both of the cams and the G12 is usually in my (small) tankbag.
I take the G12 out, switch it on, take a picture/film, put it away, all the way without having to stop riding!!! So for the lazy people (/good drivers), go for this option! I never regretted to take the G12 with me on my motorcycle adventures and leaving the dslr at home for all the other photography!

Seb

PS; if you have more questions, or want a better advice, you can always mail/pm me, I will be happy to help you out. I'm tired of people thinking they should buy expensive camera's to in the end just take "point and shoot" pictures on auto mode with a dslr.......... !!!!!

[The Cameraman]

Hi Seb,

the G12 makes a cracking camera and if your requirements are to simply record the trip then it makes really good sense.

My old trusty G2 (which finally died late on last year - after just passing it's tenth birthday) provided many published images, so that's proof that you don't need a DSLR to get paid for the results.

The problem I have is that when touring by bike I also like to include my other passion of aviation, and that's were the DSLR comes into it's own.

Regards

Reggie

[lbendel]

The idea that a dSLR is good because, and only because of IQ (image quality) is a common misconception. I also used to deride casual photographers who are shooting only jpeg on full automatic with crappy lenses.

IQ is such a dead horse that it doesn't need any more flogging here. What is acceptable IQ for you isn't someone's else, bla-bla-bla. There are dozens of reviewers shooting brick walls for you to compare. I just want to stress that usability and the pleasure of using a reflex camera is unmatched, (currently) leaps and bounds above anything else.

First off is the joy of looking through a real viewfinder. Of course the full size 5dMKII viewfinder is much nicer than the APS-C cramped viewfinders, but even those are a million time better than any compact camera viewfinder - or LCD screen for that matter (new EVF cameras may change that but I haven't tried them).

Second is the responsiveness. When I take a picture, I want to be able to take a second immediately, without any delay - just like with a film camera. With a PAS I need to wait 1 or 2 seconds with all controls frozen before I can use it again. A huge PITA for me. The dSLR never interferes with you, it will do the writing in the background, power up and down instantly (at least since I replaced my EOS 300D).

Joy of use. Freedom. Non-inteference. Given that the entry-level dSLR from Canon/Nikon with kit lens is in the same price range as a G12, I totally understand the soccer mom who buys this kit and keep it in full auto mode and may only use 25% of its potential. It's still way more friendly and intuitive than most point-and-shoot cameras.

Now if you don't want to compromise, you can have the perfect usability of a reflex camera with the amazing IQ of the full-size sensor and the fantastic L lenses with the 5dMKII.

The bottom line is, it's a great tool, just too heavy and expensive - hmmm, wait a minute.. that sounds just like the BMW 1200 Adventure that so many people are choosing for their trip..

Laurent

[Samy]

somebody mean no need to carry a full frame DSLR for the sake of weight and room. Better to take a smaller camera like a G12.

Results almost similar ?

It makes me smile a bit.

so better to sell all the kit and buy one point and shoot camera only, even an I-phone...

We save room, weight and money...

And me, what will I do with all those Hasselblad, Sinar, Nikon and Canon systems? I even carried my Hasselblad on bike some times.

[PaulD]

The same people that knock DSLR Cameras usually are the same people that knock BMW's (They simply can't afford them) now you can get by without either and be more than happy, but there seems to be a pattern emerging !
I have alot of different cameras that can & will do the job, but the fact you want a camera means you are interested in what you see and do. Simply buy one that suits your budget and you will be happy. Listen to what everyone else says as this is a good information forum but remember our circumstances & needs varies so dont take it as gospel. !!!!!!
Happy snapping !!!!!!

[_CY_]

started to purchase a waterproof travel camera several times... was leaning towards Nikon AW100. but each time stopped myself.

already got a butt load of nice cameras. Nikon D2H, D1X, with 12+ prime Nikkor lens. there's more...two Lumix, 3 Sony, Go Pro ....that's not even counting film cameras.... arrrrggghhh

unless there's a compelling reason (waterproof?). using what I've already got. is waterproof important enough to purchase yet another camera?

would much rather spend the $$$ on my G/S

[garnaro]

After having a couple of point and shoots do the same thing as you describe with the extendable lens, I would never bring one - dust just gets in there and they break. Perhaps I'm not careful enough, but its hard to be careful with stuff when you're on the bike and there's lots of stuff going on around you.

The fact that you don't have to worry about this with the ruggedized camera's is a huge asset - I love the lumix TS3 for this reason.

Originally Posted by lbendel

Finally, after just a couple months, it just broke down, the lens extraction mechanism would make a grinding noise and wouldn't retract: sand and dust obviously jammed the mechanism. How good is your 1-year warranty in the middle of Africa ?

These gadgets are designed as cheaply as possible and they will break down. On the other hand, the 5D mkII feels solid and indeed it is very well built: after 1 year and multiple crashes, it still was working like clockwork, even with many moving parts (mirror, shutter, diaphragm, IS, etc..). If I had taken a Rebel or other entry-level dSRL, I'm convinced it would have broken down half-way through. And no chance to fix it.

[colebatch]

Originally Posted by BugsOnMyBoard

After having a couple of point and shoots do the same thing as you describe with the extendable lens, I would never bring one - dust just gets in there and they break. Perhaps I'm not careful enough, but its hard to be careful with stuff when you're on the bike and there's lots of stuff going on around you.

The fact that you don't have to worry about this with the ruggedized camera's is a huge asset - I love the lumix TS3 for this reason.

I gotta emphasise this one ...

Been saying this for years on this and other forums ... adventure biking and regular compact cameras with extendable lenses do NOT go together. Compact cameras for my kind of use must not have an extendable lens. I use a Sony TX5 for the same reason ... waterproof, dustproof, shock resistant and fully compact with no extendable lens.

As you mention, my SLR lenses have no problems, tho some lenses seem to work better in rough conditions than others.

But please readers, if your are travelling and your trip is a long one, involving off road, vibrations, water crossings etc ... choose a compact with a NON extendable lens. There are a million stories out there of adventure riders shagging their compact cameras with extendable lenses on trips because water and dust DOES get in around the lens. Yet still people buy them???

[sbn351]

I know this is an old post but I will post here anyway.

Im going with my wife for a 3-4 week trip to Spain on our BMW G650GS Sertao this september.

I plan on using my Sony Xperia Z2 and I also plan on bringing my Dslr canon eos 600d with my tamron 18-200 lens.

The Z2 will go in my jacket pocket and the Canon/Tamron will go in a case logic day bag which then will go in my tank bag.

The tank bag will double as a backpack when we are off the bike.

[Bill 310]

My wife has had a Canon s95. it takes good walk around shots and decent video.

I carry a Nikon D3s with a 28-300, a 50 1.4, and a SB-700 flash.

I wrap my camera in a foam towel and keep it in my side case.

[backofbeyond]

A very old thread (apart from Bill's post) but a current topic for me. Should I put the effort in and take one of my DSLRs on a trip starting in a week's time or should I just stick with my tried and tested combination of GoPro fixed to the bike and (now somewhat elderly) Panasonic HX-DC1 which is kept readily available in my bike jacket pocket.

I know if I take a DSLR it'll take my photography "to the next level" (to coin a phrase) but only when I can be bothered / have the time to dig it out from its resting place in one of the panniers. To make room for it I'll probably have to leave a pair of shoes or similar behind and to make use of it I'll have to ride in photographer rather than snapper mode. Usually though, when I make the effort, the results are worth it, but, to some extent, it means changing my mindset from recording a ride to going on a photoshoot by bike.

The whole business of what "electronics" to take with you has been exercising my mind for some time, but particularly this year. The photo link below is of about half the bits we took on a trip up through Canada back in the spring and the potential list gets longer and longer. It's not just whatever you're taking but batteries, chargers, cables, accessories etc for them all and it all adds up.


Canada electronics by backofbeyond, on Flickr


We found space for most of that stuff eventually (we were riding a GoldWing!) and for the similar amount of stuff that went on our friend's bike but there was no DSLR (didn't make the cut for that trip), no drone, no travelling tripod etc.

[Lovetheworld]

While I'm not a biker but with car (with family) I also think about if I should bring the DSLR. Things are changing rapidly last couple of years.
I still think that almost nothing beats pictures of a DSLR with a nice lens (fixed 1.8f lens for example). However, some things are changing.

New (samsung) phones are taking very nice pictures. The newest to come, the S9, has 1.5f and 2.4f mechanical diafragma changing and sensors keep getting better. 4K video resolution.
Sure, it will still not beat a DSLR, however, quality (also in darkness) is good. And much more convenient to do a simple edit on, and send away on the road if you have wifi somewhere. And always in reach to make a quick pic. Imagine you stopping on the side of the road, still on the bike. Are you going to get a DSLR out of your luggage every time?

Then the whole action cam thing. Sure a Gopro is nice (and water resistant!)
But this field is changing.

Why not take a 360 camera instead? They are also filming with a nice quality. And they let you decide afterwards what you want to focus on. So you don't have to make a 360 video, no you just shoot in 360 in take the angle you like afterwards.
And again, easy editing with a phone app.

And even drones are getting compact, so you could almost bring one in the same space of an old-fashioned DSLR. Of course there are smaller bodies which are worth the effort (especially for you bikers)

For me, I think we will bring our older DSLR with a fixed lens and a larger zoomlens (200mm or 300mm) because there is no substitute for that when you need it.
But I will put it in some corner of the car where we have some space left, so I'm afraid what will happen.
What I expect (since I'm lazy) that the camera will stay in 90% of the time, and that I'm using perhaps an S9 and a 360 camera to do most stuff. Because they are always in reach.
The Gopro we have is very small so we can still bring that along, but I guess it will be running as a dashcam kind of thing. Not using all the potential.